Recently I read in a newspaper that former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has stated that he wanted to play another season with Tasmania after they won the Sheffield Shield competition. Ponting, who retired from international cricket in December 2012, scored 875 runs at an average of 87.50 in the season which was the highest in the season by any batsmen. He was also named Sheffield Shield player of the year.
“I’ve told Tasmanian cricket this week that I’m really keen to play on again next year,” Ponting said. “But in the same breath, I’ve also told them not to offer me a contract. I don’t want to take a contracted spot and pull out at the last minute,” he added.
This shows the level of professionalism of Australian cricketers. Ponting, still a top performer, has declared he is not sure that whether he will be fully fit to play in a club-level competition.
Contrast that with Pakistan, where many a star cricketer who was unable to perform had to be forced out. Some senior players in the current Pakistani team must look towards Ponting and should reconsider their futures.
MUBASHIR MAHMOOD
Karachi